Summer is just around the corner, when friends return from all parts of the country and houses are “opened for the season.” One of those homes has been beautifully readied for this annual tradition (and is awaiting a new owner…it could be you!). Let’s take a peek at the listing images. The Orchard is just around the corner from Parterre but a house that I have never visited so this post will be a special treat. I’ve walked past this noteworthy home many, many times and have always found the gates refreshing and welcoming, with their celadon color set off with gold leaf detailing.

Providing you the perfect entreé to glorious sights beyond and the 4.75 acres parklike grounds that are dreamy, to say the least.

For the Orchard is one of Newport’s famed Gilded Age cottages (1873) that has recently come on the market, totally restored and fully furnished! Additionally this 24,332 sq. ft. jewel was built by the famed Newport architectural firm, George Champlin Mason & Son.

Not one, but two adjacent swimming pools (one a lap pool and the other the largest private swimming pool in Rhode Island), are off the generous entertaining terrace and look down the axis of the beautifully landscaped gardens. To complete the picture, a greenhouse and two gazebos grace the grounds.

Houses of old were thinking ahead with their long list of rooms for many purposes, just perfect for these pre- and post-Covid times. From breakfast room to billiard room, from reception room to cigar bar, feeling “at home” and comfortable was a top priority for all residents (which, of course, would include an elevator).

Sensitively maintaining all the original characteristics of this jewel was a high priority of the restoration team. The mansion’s interiors include some of the finest craftsmanship and art throughout including dentil molding, handsome paneling, marble floors, handcrafted mahogany doors, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and marble fireplaces. 

High ceilings, a multitude of elegant sash windows, and elegantly patterned hardwood floors continue this attention to detail.

It’s quite a statement that one of Newport’s famed Gilded Age cottages is on the market, not only totally restored but fully furnished, from the main house to the carriage house to the garden’s statuary, for a lucky someone.

In addition to the spa/fitness area with heated indoor pool, other amenities include a games room, staff rooms, movie theater…and a dedicated space for arranging flowers brought in from the gardens!

Finally, the well equipped large, sunny kitchen maintains its original Art Deco style with a large pantry and mud room.

Available by separate negotiation is the owner’s 1958 Mercedes 220S convertible (to be seen in the front courtyard below) and a 1960’s mahogany Riva speedboat.

Which will, of course, be kept in the 5741 sq. ft. carriage house (with heated conservatory and garages, two self-contained apartments, offices and workshop).

In a town of many old mansions, most have become house museums or condominiums or have been turned into dormitories and classrooms for a local university. Only a special few, like The Orchard, remain in private hands. A distinction in itself!

11 bedrooms, 11 baths, 3 powder rooms.
24,332 total square feet of mansion and carriage house.
Price $14 million…contact the listing agent, Stacie Mills, for further details.

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All images courtesy of Vanderbilt International Properties, Ltd.